Australia's fast food and quick service restaurant (QSR) sector experienced significant growth in 2024, with a net addition of 178 new stores. This expansion was highlighted in the 2024 Annual Fast Food & Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Network Report released by GapMaps, an Australian company specialising in location intelligence and demographics.

The report tracked 36 brands across 7,523 locations, recording a total of 302 store openings throughout the year. Of these, 19 brands demonstrated positive net store growth after accounting for closures. The eight fastest-growing brands were responsible for 152 of the new store locations.

Large chains such as KFC, Hungry Jack's, Subway, and McDonald's reported strong growth. KFC led the major QSR brands with a net increase of 23 new stores, bringing its total to 804 nationwide. Subway, which maintains the largest network with 1,246 stores, saw a net change of 17 additional outlets. McDonald's, the second-largest network with 1,050 stores, recorded a net increase of 19 stores. Hungry Jack's, with 471 locations, added 16 new stores.

Smaller networks also expanded, with Guzman Y Gomez adding the most net new stores at 27, including 10 in Greater Sydney. Zambrero and Oporto reported strong net new store growth, adding 20 and 16 stores respectively. Grill'd and Schnitz also experienced positive net growth, with increases of 5 and 7 stores respectively.

The sushi segment saw growth as well, with Sushi Hub, the largest chain in this category with 177 stores, recording a net increase of 14 new locations. Sushi Sushi, with 162 stores, added 11 new outlets.

Geographically, Melbourne led the way with 55 net new store openings, followed by Sydney with 31, Brisbane with 21, Perth with 19, and Adelaide with 4. Growth outside major cities accounted for 48 new stores.

Andrew Smith, Head of Research and Economics at GapMaps, commented on the factors contributing to the sector's growth. "In 2024 population growth, estimated to have added 500,000 residents and inflation, have continued to support the food and beverage sector," he said. "In total, the 36 leading brands tracked collectively opened a net 178 new outlets in 2024, highlighting the sector's resilience and sustained growth."

Smith further noted the expansion efforts of major QSR chains. "To keep pace with the level of population growth, we have seen the major QSR chains expand their store footprints, with Subway, McDonald's and KFC all opening more than 20 new stores in 2024 to maintain store provisions at a ratio of one store per 20,000-30,000 residents. A target they have largely achieved," he stated.

The report also highlighted the increased accessibility of fast food and QSR options for Australians. "In 2025, most Australians have significantly greater choice of accessing fast food and quick service restaurants," Smith said. "While over 75% of all Australians have lived within 3km of a Subway and McDonald's for a number of years now, close to 53% of all Australians can access 10 or more QSR brands within 3km of home."